SBS World News Radio

During the longest State of the Union address in history, United States President Donald Trump has declared the U-S is in its "golden era," with him at the helm. The almost two-hour long speech was filled with dramatic moments, as the President boasted about his successes and outlined his agenda for the coming year.

Hear from Wisetech CEO Zubin Appoo as he explains why 2000 jobs will go at the company as AI hits its workforce; SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Francesco De Stradis from Ord Minnett to find out the implications for the broader market; plus Woolworths CEO Amanda Bardwell on how the supermarket operator is winning back consumer trust.

Questions over the British Royal line of succession are emerging after the UK government pledged to introduce laws to remove ex-prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line. However, as the potential future King of 14 Commonwealth countries, the process to remove the former prince is not as simple as stripping his title.

As Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its fifth year, international pressure is intensifying to end the conflict. The European Union is finalising its 20th sanctions package against Russia, while the United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly backed a resolution supporting Ukraine's territorial integrity.

The Federal Government has moved to the next stage of Australia's inaugural high-speed rail project, launching a two-year development phase for the Sydney-to-Newcastle link. Construction is slated to begin in 2028. While the project faces a nearly $90 billion price tag and public scepticism over its long history of delays, proponents argue the 180-kilometre network will eventually transform regional housing and productivity across the entire East Coast.

Dr Jamal Rifi is an Australian doctor who has travelled to Syria to try and bring home a group of Australian women and children being held in an IS-group detention camp. The federal government has been adamant it will not help with the group's repatriation, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said any of those who do return will face charges if they are found to have broken Australian law. Dr Rifi has with him passports for the cohort of women and children which have been issued by Australian authorities. He also has another passport in his possession-- for an Australian man Yusuf Zahab, who was thought to be dead, until the SBS Dateline program revealed in 2024 he was alive and in a Syrian prison. Dr Jamal Rifi spoke with SBS Chief Political Correspondent Anna Henderson from an undisclosed location.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Mike Jenneke from UBS Wealth Management about the day's market action including investors' renewed AI fears; plus Stephanie Youssef talks with Jame Koval from ASFA to find out how much you need for a comfortable retirement.

Australians are being urged to reconsider travelling to Mexico after a deadly surge in cartel violence triggered by the killing of a notorious drug lord known as El Mencho. The leader of one of the country's largest cartels was fatally wounded during a military raid in Jalisco, sparking coordinated retaliatory attacks that have killed at least 25 members of Mexico's National Guard as well as several civilians.

The European Union has paused the ratification of a US-EU trade agreement after a US Supreme Court ruling and new tariff threats cast doubt on the deal. As Donald Trump threatens new sweeping tariffs, European politicians say they can't move forward until clarity is provided.

A Senate inquiry into housing affordability has heard urgent calls for tax reform, with advocates warning that current capital gains concessions favour wealthy investors while locking the younger generation out of the property market. The Australian Council of Trade Unions argues that reducing these tax breaks could boost home ownership by four per cent. The Grattan Institute maintains the primary benefit would be a $6.5 billion budget windfall to fund public housing and support struggling renters.

As Ukraine enters its fifth year of war, another round of talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine could be held at the end of this week. Ukraine, Russia and the United States have held several rounds of talks in Abu Dhabi and Geneva; as Washington seeks an end to four years of war since Moscow's 2022 full-scale invasion. But how close is a real peace deal?

Travel experts have raised concerns about new border rules for Australian travellers who hold dual British or Irish nationality. From February 25, dual citizens who can't present a valid British or Irish passport are at risk of being refused entry to the UK. The new regulations are causing widespread confusion, with many not even aware of their links to the country.

Four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the war shows no sign of abating, with mounting casualties, continued strikes on civilian infrastructure and faltering ceasefire efforts. As global tributes mark the February 24 anniversary, calls are growing for stronger international action to apply pressure to Russia and bring an end to Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II.

An armed man was shot and killed after breaching the security perimeter of United States President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. With the suspect now deceased and no motive established, the FBI says an active investigation is underway.

The first museum in New South Wales dedicated to the history of Chinese people in Australia has opened in the heart of Sydney's Chinatown. The Museum of Chinese in Australia [[MOCA]] dedicates its stories to some of Australia's earliest migrants - preserving Chinese history and culture in the country.

This week will mark four years since Russia began its full scale invasion of Ukraine. Since then, experts say President Vladimir Putin has intensified efforts in his ongoing campaign to quash dissent and political opposition - many resistance leaders and activists inside Russia, jailed - or dead.

In turbulent political times, stability comes with four legs, whiskers and a fondness for napping. Larry the Cat has celebrated 15 years as the British government's official rodent-catcher and unofficial first feline, a reassuring presence who has served under six prime ministers.

The University of Melbourne Student Union is preparing to release the findings of its fourth report on racism on campus. The union's president, Lushy Chinganya, explains what it found and how it connects with the latest Human Rights Commission report on the same issue.

The Acknowledgement of Country has been translated into 40 languages as part of a project led by Dr Elaine Laforteza. She explains how it started and the vision for what comes next.

Australian and Indian drowning prevention experts have come together for a two-day workshop to explore new ways to reduce drowning deaths in both countries. Drowning causes tens of thousands of deaths a year in India, and in Australia, experts say the Indian diaspora is among groups that are worryingly over-represented in the country's drowning fatalities. Through exchanging ideas and building stronger cultural knowledge, workshop participants have explored new, sustainable ways to improve water safety.

Australian restaurants and cafes are in crisis, according to a new report. Rising costs and falling revenue have forced one in ten food service outlets to close over the past year. However, one Australian couple has found ways to survive and thrive.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Marcus Bogdan from Blackmore Capital on the day's market action, including a wrap of the major profits and a look at the latest US trade figures.

A United Nations fact-finding mission in Sudan has found the 18-month long siege and subsequent capture of El-Fasher in the Darfur region, last October, bears evidence of genocide. The United States, in response, has imposed sanctions on paramilitary commanders. But experts are calling for far stronger global response, to stop the violence from continuing.

The fallout continues after One Nation leader Pauline Hanson suggested earlier this week that there are no "good" Muslims. The Australian Federal Police says it has received reports of a crime in relation to comments made by Ms Hanson.

United States President Donald Trump has held the inaugural meeting of his so-called "Board of Peace", pledging AU$14.2 billion for the reconstruction of Gaza. Boasting his role as a peacemaker while leveling fresh threats against Iran, Donald Trump says the board will help achieve peace in the Middle East.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has become the first senior British royal in modern times to be arrested. The 66-year-old was arrested by police on suspicion of misconduct in public office, after it was alleged he sent confidential government documents to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

A WARNING THAT THIS STORY MAY BE DISTRESSING FOR SOME LISTENERS The New South Wales government is investigating the circumstances surrounding the escape of two patients from the same hospital, who days later were allegedly involved in separate incidents where three people died. Mental health professionals say it's again thrown the state's mental health care crisis into the spotlight.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Hugh Lam, CFA from Betashares for his take on the markets as the ASX200 hits another record high, the jobless rate remains at 4.1% and takes a look at the latest company profit reports.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has blocked the immediate return of an Australian woman from Syria via a temporary exclusion order. It follows what the government is calling its no assistance policy for 34 citizens recently turned back by Syrian authorities. While the Prime Minister insists those who joined the IS Group must live with their choices, legal and human rights experts argue that abandoning children and coerced women in detention camps poses a greater long-term radicalisation risk than bringing them home to Australia.

The holy month of Ramadan is underway, with Muslims around the world marking Iftar - the first day of the fasting period. In Australia, venues are catering to the growing number of observers, opening their doors until long after sunset and into the early hours of the morning.

Marco Rubio sends mixed messages to Europe, Israel starts registration of large areas of the occupied West Bank and how new is Bangladesh's new government? Plus, Chinoys celebrate lunar new year in the Philippines and Cocaine Sharks coming to waters near you.

Australia's road toll is rising, and new warnings suggest the country is drifting away from its goal of halving deaths by 2030. More than thirteen hundred people were killed on Australian roads last year, with early 2026 figures showing little sign of improvement. Industry leaders and victim advocates are calling for urgent action, from safer street design to changes in driver behaviour, as families continue to live with the consequences of road trauma every day.

Religious leaders and academic experts have faced a New South Wales parliamentary inquiry into a proposed law to combat right wing extremism. This, as the state government introduced the crime amendment bill following a neo-nazi protest outside state Parliament in November last year. The Law and Safety committee have been investigating the risks posed by certain groups, and are looking into the best ways to counter it.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has partially walked back anti-Muslim comments she made earlier this week, but has refused to offer a full apology. The backlash against Senator Hanson's comments continues from all sides of politics, with Labor and Coalition politicians condemning the remarks. Australia's Islamophobia envoy has invited Senator Hanson to an Iftar dinner during the holy month of Ramadan, where he encourages her to ask questions directly.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Devika Shivadear from RSM Australia about the latest Wage Price Index which shows real wages has gone backwards; plus a look at the day on the sharemarket with Jun Bei Lui from Ten Cap.

The first national report on racism at universities in Australia has found it is a problem that is widespread and systemic. The report found 70 per cent of students and staff from 42 universities had witnessed racism. Levels of racism were higher among Indigenous, Chinese, African, Jewish and Middle Eastern students and staff; with only six per cent of those who experienced racism making a complaint.

Influential civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson has died at the age of 84. Devoting six decades of his life to political and civil rights activism, Jesse Jackson is being remembered for his charisma and conviction till the very end.

The last remaining Australian women and children with links to the IS Group have been sent back to a Syrian camp after attempting to repatriate themselves home. The group of 34 left al-Roj in the country's northeast overnight - but a communications issue with Damascus forced their return to the camp.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with BHP CFO Vandita Pant following the miner's US$5.6bn half-year profit to find out more about its growing copper business and future dividend policy; plus Jonathan Shead from State Street Investment Management on the investment environment.

Australia's unique wildlife is facing an escalating extinction crisis, driven primarily by climate change and compounded by habitat loss. 34 new species of plants and animals have been added to the government's threatened species list this February, including the lemuroid ringtail possum - native to north Queensland's Wet Tropics region. Researchers say urgent climate action and stronger environmental protections are critical to prevent further irreversible loss of Australia's signature biodiversity.

The Lunar New Year has begun with vibrant celebrations welcoming the Year of the Horse, from fireworks in Vietnam and bustling Hong Kong markets to festive streets in Malaysia and Peru. Families gather for symbolic meals, travellers embrace cultural traditions, and global leaders send messages of unity, marking a holiday that connects communities across Asia and around the world.

Australia's competition watchdog is suing supermarket chain Coles in the Federal Court. The ACCC alleges Coles deceived shoppers about discounts on a range of goods. It's a case that could have wide-ranging implications for consumer law.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Alex Pikoulas from Munjarra Capital about the day's market action including the latest profit results and the turn around in the tech sector; plus Anthony Walker from SP Global Ratings after the IMF warned Australian states to reign in spending.

.The Gaza Strip is home to some extraordinary remnants of human history, dating from the Bronze Age through to the Ottoman and British empires.Many historic sites suffered from neglect before the war - but the United Nations cultural agency, UNESCO, says it has verified damage to at least 150 historic heritage sites since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are reckoning with how to save their historical monuments.

From Munich to Melbourne, hundreds of thousands have turned out to oppose Iran's clerical leadership in the wake of a brutal crackdown on protesters inside the country. While opinions differ over who should take over the current regime, protesters all voiced their desire for an Iran free from oppression.

The Murray Darling Basin management plan is currently under review. Public submissions on a discussion paper [[see it here: https://www.mdba.gov.au/publications-and-data/publications/2026-basin-plan-review-discussion-paper]] are being accepted until  1 May 2026, as authorities determine their next steps in managing Australia's biggest river ecosystem. SBS has spoken with the national director of the Murray Darling Conservation Alliance, Craig Wilkins, about what those next steps should be.

Women and girls are bearing the brunt of Sudan's nearly three-year-old civil war, facing widespread gender-based violence, displacement and deepening hunger as the conflict intensifies. 18-year-old Mariam, a survivor of sexual violence has had to flee escalating violence to an under-resourced displacement camp where food and medicine is in limited supply. With famine spreading and humanitarian access shrinking, organisations like Plan International warn the needs of survivors far exceed the support available.

Today marks a major milestone in Australia's financial history – the 60th anniversary of decimal currency. It's been decades since Australians ditched pounds, shillings and pence for dollars and cents – in one of the largest transitions in the nation's history. And while the way we pay for things continues to change, the legacy of that moment endures.

Millions of people around the world will soon welcome in the Year of the Horse. A key part of Lunar New Year celebrations for many communities is lion dancing, which is said to bring good luck and prosperity into the new year. But it takes discipline to master the skill, as one group of dancers in Brisbane hopes to continue the traditional performance

Dumplings are popular dish for families celebrating Lunar New Year. In Melbourne, one restaurant is challenging tradition, with a make-your-own approach and a range of exotic flavours.

13 February is celebrated as World Radio Day. The day is designed to honour radio as a trusted and powerful form of communication. Today is also the 18th anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations. SBS NITV Radio's Kerri-Lee Barry has spoken to Charles Pakana from Victorian Aboriginal News, who says radio is a way to connect with each other as we share our histories and truth.